Firstly, I just wanted to say ‘Welcome Back’ and I hope you all got to enjoy some quality family time over the break. It certainly hasn’t been the same here without the girls.
On Wednesday, we celebrated and recognised the effort and achievement of our students currently in Years 5-12 who attained academic excellence in Semester 2 2021.
The past few years have taught us a lot about the things that truly matter and while academic achievement is very important, research shows it is also dependent on overall health and wellbeing.
Students are often wearing many different hats and juggling priorities. Between school, study, work, household chores, family and friends there can be a lot on their agenda each week. Finding a school-life balance not only makes students happier and healthier, it also helps them accomplish more and achieve their goals.
There is no one-size fits all solution to finding balance and the ratio of work to rest and play is individual and depends on many factors. Simply, our girls need to find the right balance for them.
So what tips do the experts have for our girls ….
1. Managing Time
Make a weekly to-do list
Honestly assess the amount of time wasted
Prioritise work
Break large tasks into smaller ones
Set goals and deadlines
2. Avoiding Perfectionism
Deakin University’s website states that perfectionism comes from a belief that you must be perfect in everything you do to be accepted by others. As a result of this belief, your self-esteem becomes reliant on the work you produce and the approval of those around you. The need to always please others and be nothing less than perfect can leave you feeling useless, burnt out, hollow, and far from perfect. There’s nothing wrong with students striving to be the best they can be but it's about maintaining a healthy perspective. Some tips for your daughter might include:
setting standards that are high but achievable
enjoying the process not just the outcome
monitoring positive and negative thoughts
viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning
reacting positively to constructive feedback
3. Managing High Levels of Stress
At a low level, stress can be positive and assists us with staying focused and aware of all the things that need to be done. However, when pressures are too intense or go on for too long, this can become a problem. Following are just a few ways to address this:
Regular exercise
Learning ways to relax such as meditation and breathing exercises
Practising positive self-talk
Maintaining an optimistic outlook
Asking for help when needed. People who have a strong network of family and friends manage stress better.
4. Having a Healthy Lifestyle
Physical and emotional wellbeing plays a major role in academic and personal success. It is really important that our girls attempt to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle. Factors include:
Regular sleep and exercise
Eating healthfully
Making time for things they enjoy doing
Spending time with friends and family
At Girls Grammar we often talk about being kind to each other, but I also want our girls to be kind to themselves.
I really look forward to working with you all again this year and assisting your daughters with being the best they can be.
Nadine Kelly
Acting Deputy Principal - Students